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On my last visit to the local shop, I just couldn't resist. I must admit that if I didn't have a cigar blog, I would have probably passed on it. Spending over $40 on a single cigar is not among my habits. However, this is a Cohiba, this is a Behike (it used to be the most expensive cigar in the world a few years ago!) and I have a way to tell thousands of cigar aficionados how it smokes - and this makes it worth the price.

Cohiba Behike was (re)released in 2010 during the XII Festival del Habano. The term Behike was first found in a travel note written somewhere in the 16th century and it designated a tribal chief. The characteristic feature of this cigar is the use of "medio tiempo" leaves in the blend. These rare upper leaves which are supposed to receive more sun light are expected to add a distinct taste to the cigar. According to Habanos, this is the reason why Behikes will be produced in very limited quantities every year.

Appearance : This was one of the reason I couldn't leave the cigar shop without it. Cohiba Behike looks extremely good, sporting a silky, shiny wrapper with very thin veins. The pigtail is accurate and immediately makes me think about a Trinidad Robusto T, close in size. The band, specifically designed for this blend, has two security holograms and is also pretty impressive.

Construction : A look at the foot immediately indicates that this cigar is crafted by someone who knows what he (or she) is doing. No soft spots whatsoever; I think that this is the kind of cigar where one can forget about construction issues.

Flavor : The wrapper exhales a pleasant smell of barnyard. After reluctantly cutting the pigtail, I discover a round pre-draw with notes of grass and hay. The resistance is perfect. The first pulls bring a delicate spiciness with a sweet background. I am tempted to say that at this moment the cigar is medium-bodied. It definitely has the trademark Cohiba flavors that one can found in the Cohiba Robusto, for example, but they seem to be (much) more elegant. As I approach the end of the first third, the - very ample - smoke becomes creamier and creamier. It is considerably less sweet and starts to develop leathery and woody flavors, just as much as needed. The bouquet is moderately complex at the half point. Cohiba Behike significantly gains in complexity in the last third, which offers balanced flavors of earth, bitter chocolate and just a bit of leather. Of course, I am smoking it to the nub.

Value : Well... Cohiba first created the Maduro 5 series which was already way too expensive. With Behike, Habanos is aiming even higher. I can't approve spending that much money on a cigar, even though it's a great one.

Overall Rating : Was it a good cigar? Yes. Was it a great one? Definitely. Will I get a box of these? Probably not. Due to the price and the bling-bling appearance (box) I have a feeling that these cigars are either made for novice aficionados (I do think that their flavor profile can be enjoyed by newbies) with unlimited budgets or for being gifted and/or received as a gift. Make sure you let your friends know about this release a couple of weeks before your birthday...

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This post was written by Denis aka Inspector, who founded CigarInspector.com back in 2007. Click here for his latest articles and more information.

Thx for the review. If you liked the 52, please try the 54 or 56. I’ve been fortunate to smoke all 3 once and i must say i found the 52 to be a disgrace to cohiba where the other 2 scored OK on my standards. My personal review of the 52 would be : little aroma, bad balance, interesting for the 1st inch then boring. On the other hand, the 54 was still too expensive but at least deliverd some unusual and rich flavors. Changing a lot throughout the smoke.

Nice review. I bought a 52 for a friend this weekend for his birthday. And for that occasion it work well. I would propably buy it again, even though it was expensive, as I rarely smoke cigars. And when i do smoke one, i want to know that the cigar I smoke, delivers quality, without me have to question the quality(as i´m learning).

it’s a good looking smoke. I doubt if I will ever buy it. What if I like it? This passion is expensive as is. I love the fact that new smokes are produced every year for everybody at reasonable costs.Why try to make them more expensive?

A business partner in a restaurant own pulled a couple out 3 days ago. He received a box as a gift and i thought to myself… perfect! I WILL NEVER pay the amount they are asking so this is just about right for me. It’s an extremely good smoke… but not great. Smooth, creamy and subtle. Personally, the Trinidad robusto extra is just as good. But i am thankful i had the opportunity to taste it. IMHO it’s for the bling crowd that need to show that they can afford the luxuries in life…

I hear that the 54 is a significant step up.. I’ll be overseas soon and I’m looking for a box to really empty my pockets on, since I’ll have the chance – does anyone have a recommendation in the $20+ range?

I believe the BHK 52 is the best Cohiba cigar by far. I have smoked all three Behikes (52,54,56) & the 52 is my absolute favorite. I disagree with the Inspector, the BHK 52 rubusto, is the best rubusto on the market. It is my favorite smoke & worth every penny.

I had the 52 and was surprise how good it was, but I had the 54 today I have to say, it is really a great cigar – One of the best I have ever smoked. Bahike 52 is great but it was too short and when you about to reach the climax, it ends. The 54 carries over the missing element most cigar aficionado seeks. Simply put, the 52 is great, but the 54 had a better finish.

If you never try one, you need to. Novelty or not, it is one of the greatest cigar of my life time, and I have smoke a lot of good cigars for being a cigar shop owner.

Great point. Too many people talk about “over priced” CC’s but there are plenty examples of non-CCs that are as expensive or even as you pointed out more expensive. I would also take a Behike over a Opus X any day of the week/month/year/lifetime.

@captkarl43

The Behike is a great cigar but is is most definitely not better than a really good Siglo VI. I would put an “on” Siglo VI slightly ahead of a Behike in fact. There’s very few things in this world as good as an “on” Siglo VI. If you get a good one, there’s simply nothing better in the cigar world.

I purchased one of each size from a LCDH store in London. After a year I smoked them and was very disappointed. It had a grass flavor- no depth and was one dimensional. For $50 each it just reinforced my opinion that Cohiba is highly over rated and never a good choice.

Christmas day and I’m just finishing a 56. Classic Cohiba profile ….. But MORE. Flavors are both more pronounced, and more refined. Depth of body, lusciously creamy , no sharp edges. Tangy and sweet without being cloying. I like Cohibas – VI, Robusto, Esplendido when they’re on. This is like a Cohiba that went to finishing school. Merry Christmas!

I am a Cohiba fan I must first tell. Behike’s blew up my mind. I tried all 3 sizes, impressed in all of them. In my opinion cost benefit ratio is best in BHK 52 as is in Siglo II and Maduro Secretos. Occasionally I smoke Siglo II, in special days Secretos and in very very special days BHK 52. And I thank god as I can afford this luxury. Enjoy your Cohibas fellows!

Cohiba… I have always been a fan of the Cohiba Robusto. I have smoked the Behike 56 and have one more in my humidor waiting for an appropriate moment (when I’m in the mood for that particular cigar).

Overpriced? Yes. But one of the best cigars, if not the best cigar I have ever smoked. I will admit it was surprisingly mild and easy to smoke, but full of flavour and silky smooth. The smoke was very thick, the burn and draw were perfect and the cigar lasted a LONG time, about 1:30 – 2h if I remember correctly… I went through about 4 whiskeys smoking that cigar! :-)

If you are lucky enough to be able to afford one, or receive as a gift, you will most likely enjoy it very much, it’s a wonderful cigar with plenty of flavour and sooooo easy to smoke!

I’m really amazed by some of the comments regarding this cigar. I live in the UK where we are fortunate enough to have cigars like this readily available to us from shops that store them correctly. The behike 52 is without doubt an exceptional cigar, the construction, burn and complexity are all first rate and if anything this cigar is fair value for the quality of the product. If you have tried the new Montecristo No 2 Gran Reserve you will understand why i make this comment as the taste on that particular cigar is boring, the construction is poor and the price is rediculous. I understand that some cigars are expensive but that doesnt make them poor value. I’ts a bit like saying you wouldnt buy a ferrari because compared to a ford it seems a little expensive.

Procured a box during one of my trips to Hong Kong..side trip to Macau..where it’s MUCH cheaper. They did not have the 56 so bought the 52 & 54 boxes a year back. Today being my birthday..pulled a 52 out to celebrate. FANTASTIC. It exuded all the standard Cohiba flavors but amped up a bit. I understand the price issue..but aren’t we supposed to enjoy certain cigars as a finer thing in life? Well worth it in my opinion.

I just recently smoked a Cohiba Behike 54 and it was the best cigar i ever had up to this point. Loved the flavor, smoke and the draw of this cigar.

I spent close to two hours enjoying this wonderful smoke to the point that i even went out about a few days later and picked up another one to enjoy at another time, i can agree it’s a bit pricey for a cigar but to enjoy such a great smoke i think it’s worth the money.

Thanks to all for your various opinions. Im a Cohiba VI man but ive got Fathers Day coming up soon and enough hints to the Missus to hopefully have a Behike combo box instead of the pair of socks and slippers (cant smoke them).

Purchased one at SA Habano store just to see whether the hype was true. Guess what?, it is. Excellent cigar. Appearance, construction, taste, burn…all perfect. They are the best in the Cohiba brand but the premium is too much. You could smoke 3 excellent Trinidad’s for the price of one of these. Definitely a special occasion or once-a-year treat.